Ask a student, a counselor, a professor—they will likely all tell you that the need for mental health support for college students is very high right now, and there aren’t enough resources to meet the demand.

The Peer2Peer Mentoring program aims to provide a partial solution to that problem by connecting a student who needs extra support with another student who can provide it.

One example of a student mentee is someone who is having trouble adjusting to the demands of campus life or who is new to campus and hasn’t integrated socially yet. Students who have been discharged from the counseling center but still would benefit from some support are also good candidates for this program.

Typically, the student mentor is studying toward entering a helping profession, and participating in the program gives them training and practice in skills they will use regularly in their career.

The program helps both mentors and mentees become familiar with mental health and other resources available on campus and in the community so they are more likely to be used by students when needed.

Mentor pairs will meet over the course of a semester, a minimum of eight times with a minimum of two meetings per month. Meetings can take place in person or via Zoom.

Mentors will be provided a facilitation guide that gives suggestions for checking in with their mentee. Additionally, mentors will be trained to facilitate meetings, listen and respond to mentee concerns, and refer to outside professionals when appropriate.

Mentors will be required to participate in a 2-hour training that covers the basics of the program, provides resources, and offers an opportunity to ask questions. They will also complete QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training.

Mentors will then work with the program coordinator to be matched with mentees. The coordinator will complete biweekly check-ins with mentors to answer questions, address any concerns, and ensure forward movement of the mentoring relationship.